The Symphony of Birth: Music’s Role in Caesarean Deliveries
Childbirth, a momentous occasion in a woman’s life, can be fraught with anxiety, especially when it involves surgical procedures like caesarean sections. However, a recent study titled “Effects of music intervention during caesarean delivery on anxiety and stress of the mother a controlled, randomised study” sheds light on a simple yet profound intervention: music.
The Source Article Details
Effects of music intervention during caesarean delivery on anxiety and stress of the mother a controlled, randomised study by Philipp Hepp et al. in 2018.
Cited By: 31 (Updated: September 11, 2023)
The Source Article's Abstract
Background
Stress and anxiety during pregnancy and childbirth have negative consequences for both mother and child. There are indications that music has a positive effect in this situation. The present study investigates the influence of music during the caesarean on anxiety and stress of the expectant mother.
Methods
The SAMBA study is a single-centre, controlled, randomized study including 304 patients. Women in the intervention group heard music via loudspeakers from one of four self-selected genres. The control group had standard treatment without music. The caesarean was performed in regional Anesthesia. At admission, at skin incision, during skin suture and two hours after completion of surgery, different subjective (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, visual analogue scale for anxiety) and objective parameters (salivary cortisol/amylase, heart rate, blood pressure) were collected. Mixed-factorial Analysis of variances as well as independent sample t-tests were applied for data analysis.
Results
At skin suture, significantly lower anxiety levels were reported in the intervention group regarding State anxiety (31.56 vs. 34.41; p = .004) and visual analogue scale for anxiety (1.27 vs. 1.76; p = .018). Two hours after surgery, the measured visual analogue scale for anxiety score in the intervention group was still significantly lower (0.69 vs. 1.04; p = .018). The objective parameters showed significant differences between the groups in salivary cortisol increase from admission to skin suture (12.29 vs. 16.61 nmol/L; p = .043), as well as systolic blood pressure (130.11 vs. 136.19 mmHg; p = .002) and heart rate (88.40 vs. 92.57/min; p = .049) at skin incision.
Conclusions
Music during caesarean is an easy implementable and effective way of reducing stress and anxiety of the expectant mother.
Citing the Source Article (APA)
Hepp, P., Hagenbeck, C., Burghardt, B., Jaeger, B., Wolf, O.T., Fehm, T., Schaal, N.K. (2018). Effects of music intervention during caesarean delivery on anxiety and stress of the mother a controlled, randomised study. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 18(1), 1-10. 10.1186/s12884-018-2069-6
The Melodic Methodology
The research, a randomized controlled trial, incorporated music from four self-selected genres played via loudspeakers for the intervention group. The control group underwent the standard procedure without any musical accompaniment. The study meticulously measured both subjective and objective parameters to gauge anxiety and stress levels at various stages of the surgery.
Resounding Results
The findings were music to the ears! The intervention group reported significantly lower anxiety levels, especially at the skin suture stage. Objective parameters, including salivary cortisol levels and systolic blood pressure, also favored the music group, underscoring the tangible benefits of this melodic intervention.
Implications for the Medical Fraternity
- Enhanced Patient Experience: Introducing music can significantly improve the overall birthing experience, making it less daunting for expectant mothers.
- Cost-effective Intervention: Music, being a non-invasive and easily implementable method, can be a cost-effective way to enhance patient care.
- Broader Applications: The therapeutic effects of music can be explored in other medical procedures and settings, not just childbirth.
Striking the Right Chord
While the study focuses on caesarean deliveries, its implications resonate far and wide. The power of music, often relegated to the background, can play a pivotal role in healthcare, offering a harmonious blend of science and art. As medical professionals, it’s time to tune into these findings and explore the vast potential of music in enhancing patient care.
What are your thoughts on integrating music into medical procedures? How do you envision its role in enhancing patient experiences? Share your insights and join the conversation below.